Library is ‘never failing spring in the desert’

About two years ago, we began sending a series of welcome emails to patrons after they signed up for a library card. This served as a way to introduce new patrons to all the services and materials that the Delaware County District Library offers. We wanted to include a quote as a signature at the bottom of each email. After much searching, we landed upon these words from Andrew Carnegie:

“A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never failing spring in the desert.”

Many know Andrew Carnegie as the father of the modern library in America. He contributed toward the building of more than 2,500 public and university libraries. In fact, our original Delaware Library on South Sandusky Street is a Carnegie Library.

Today, Carnegie’s sentiments could not ring more true. The Delaware Library is not a building with books. It is a service to the community. It is discoveries of a new passion. It is memories made between children, parents, grandparents and friends. It is open to all.

Earlier in October, our Friends of the Library requested that we create a craft for the children’s area where kids would draw or write reasons why they love the library. They have been on display outside Director George Needham’s office for several weeks now. Listed below are some of my favorite responses to the prompt, “Why do you love the library?”

Alice, age 3. I just do. I like to get library books. I like the crayons. Nothing else.

Roman, age 8. Because they have my favorite books here.

Malia, age 7. I always love to look at the fish and LEGOs! I love it!!!

Clara, age 14. It’s like a second home.

Jason, age 38. Fun to play with my daughter Makenna.

Pictures that were drawn include many smiling faces, hearts and books. I think Clara got it right when she said that the library is like a second home.

On Tuesday, voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot initiative renewing the library’s 1-mill operating levy for another 15 years. From our board of directors, the levy campaign committee, the Friends of the Library, and the library staff, we cannot thank the voters enough. Your approval allows us to continue on this journey of information and education for the people of Delaware County.

Now begins the process of following the roadmap we’ve laid for the next 15 years of library service. But, of course, the journey begins with a good book in our backpack. See what’s new and exciting in books this month.

• “My Sister, the Serial Killer” by Oyinkan Braithwaite. Realizing that her beautiful, beloved younger sister has murdered yet another boyfriend, an embittered Nigerian woman works to direct suspicion away from the family, until a handsome doctor she fancies asks for her sister’s number.

• “The Adults” by Caroline Hulse. After splitting up, a couple each bring their new significant other to Happy Forest Holiday Park in an attempt to give their daughter a “normal” family Christmas which turns into a powder keg fueled by drinking too much and oversharing.

• “Empire of Sand” by Tasha Suri. The illegitimate daughter of an imperial governor and exiled Amrithi, a race of outcast nomads descended from desert spirits, must fight against the Emperor and his terrifying mystics to resist their cruel plans

If you have a question that you would like to see answered in this column, mail it to Nicole Fowles, Delaware County District Library, 84 E. Winter St., Delaware, OH 43015, or call us at 740-362-3861. You can also email your questions by visiting the library’s web site at www.delawarelibrary.org or directly to Nicole at nfowles@delawarelibrary.org. No matter how you contact us, we’re always glad you asked!

If you have a question that you would like to see answered in this column, mail it to Nicole Fowles, Delaware County District Library, 84 E. Winter St., Delaware, OH 43015, or call us at 740-362-3861. You can also email your questions by visiting the library’s web site at www.delawarelibrary.org or directly to Nicole at nfowles@delawarelibrary.org. No matter how you contact us, we’re always glad you asked!